Modesto, CA Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- MMC § 10-4.406(b)
- Max Height (Side/Rear)
- 8 feet
- Max Height (Front/Street Side)
- 42 inches
- R-1 Street-Side Setback (over 42 in.)
- 10 feet
Summary
Modesto Municipal Code section 10-4.406 caps walls and fences at 8 feet in height citywide. Within the front yard and street-side yard, the maximum drops to 42 inches.
No wall or fence shall exceed eight (8) feet in height, unless additional height is required as a condition of approval. No wall or fence shall exceed forty-two (42) inches within the front and front street side yard areas. In the R-1 zone, the street side setback required for fences taller than forty-two (42) inches is ten (10) feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
Modesto Municipal Code (MMC) Title 10 (Zoning Regulations), Chapter 4, Article 4, Section 10-4.406(b)(1) provides that 'No wall or fence shall exceed eight (8) feet in height,' unless additional height is required as a condition of a zone, variance, use permit, development plan review, parcel map, subdivision map, noise mitigation, or other similar action. Subsection (b)(2) further restricts heights in street-facing areas: 'No wall or fence shall exceed forty-two (42) inches within the front and front street side yard areas.' In the R-1 single-family zone, fences taller than 42 inches that face a side street must be set back at least 10 feet from the street-side property line. Heights are measured from the finished adjacent grade.
Violations & Fines
Fences that exceed the 8-foot citywide maximum or the 42-inch front/street-side maximum are zoning violations enforced by Code Enforcement under MMC Title 10. The City typically issues a notice of violation requiring the owner to lower or remove the non-compliant fence; continued non-compliance can result in administrative citations, civil penalties, and abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my backyard fence be in Modesto?
What is the maximum fence height in my front yard?
Can I put a 6-foot fence on the street side of a corner lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
How Modesto compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·California rules heatmap·Compare Modesto to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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